Prologue

Posted on Fri Sep 11th, 2020 @ 9:43pm by Captain Mystery Ellis

Mission: By Odin!
Location: Starbase 10
Timeline: Current

"The Admiral will see you now," the yeoman address Mystery from behind her desk.

Mystery stood, pulled down on the tunic of her dress uniform and walked through the doors into Admiral Padja Villashahraja's office.

"Captain Ellis," the Admiral smiled warmly, "Please have a seat and can I offer you a mango iced tea?"

Mystery took a seat "Yes please, that sounds wonderful."

The Admiral took a tray from a sideboard near the replicator and set it on the coffee table, took one of the glasses and sat in the chair opposite Mystery. "I read the report of your rescue of the freighter Olympia," she said.

Mystery picked up the other glass and took a sip "The credit for my rescue goes to my officers. I did what I did to free the hostages."

"No small thing," the Admiral agreed, "Balancing the safety of one's ship and crew against the duties and needs of the Federation is a difficult task. Not all are able to do it."

"That it is and given the same circumstances I'd do the same thing again," Mystery said "My crew were told to get the ship to safety."

The Admiral took a sip of the mango iced tea and made a face, "It is an acquired taste, I suppose," she said, setting the glass on the table. "I did not call you in to critique your mission but rather to give you new orders."

"It is an acquired taste, give it a chance sir and I'm sure you'll like it," Mystery replied taking another sip "What are my orders?"

"Diplomatic escort," the Admiral said, handing a thin folder to Mystery. The mission profile would be downloaded to the ship's computer but there was a certain tradition in exchanging hard copy orders, "The civilization on Pyxis Alpha 5 has acquired warp technology. As their planet occupies a strategic position, we can't allow a competing faction to ally with them. Your mission is to escort their diplomatic envoys to this Starbase for formal negotiations."

"They're a long way out," Mystery commented "Will they be aboard the ship or will be fly alongside? I'd feel better if their diplomats were my guests."

"They will travel in their own ship," replied the Admiral, "We offered transport but they were rather insistent."

"I'll make sure they get there safely," Mystery assured her. "I'm going to assume they want to show the Federation their ship."

"I can't imagine why they wouldn't. The reports indicate that they are a proud culture and relish the chance to demonstrate their technological prowess."

"It makes sense, and if I were in their place I'd want to do the same thing," Mystery agreed.

"This mission is under the auspices of the Federation Diplomatic Corps. That means a civilian diplomat will be in charge. As always, you are responsible for the safety of your ship and crew but beyond that, you are required by the Federation Council to acquiesce to the Charge d'Affaires."

"Understood admiral," Mystery said.

"The Charge d'Affaires has been aboard the station for a week, preparing his staff for the mission. To be honest, I will be happy to have him off my station for a while. He has a tendency to be...prickly."

"That is never easy. Please tell me he's not going to be traveling on my ship?" Mystery asked

"I fear that I will disappoint you," the Admiral confided with genuine regret on her brown face, "The Charge d'Affaires and his staff will travel aboard Independence."

"I'll have guest quarters readied and I hope we don't clash too much," Mystery commented

"After selecting the Independence for this mission, I read your service file. Your special operations background has given you a penchant for action. This mission requires a different skill set and you will find your savior-faire and discretion tested to their limits." The Admiral paused to let the statement sink in.

"My time with special operations was one of the hardest assignments I've ever been on. Rest assured I'm always ready, I do continue to train in the holo decks to stay sharp," Mystery said "I'll be fine."

"I know you will be," the Admiral smiled, picking up the glass of mango ices tea and taking another sip, "In happier news, Star Fleet has assigned a new Strategic Operations Officer to the Independence, Commander Charles Gillespie."

"It's about time, I requested one not long after I took command," Mystery commented. "When will he be joining us?"

"He arrived here earlier today," the Admiral replied, "I expect that he is reporting aboard your ship as we speak."

"That's wonderful news, thank you," Mystery said as she finished her tea,

"I will detain you no further. Attend to your ship Captain and good luck." The Admiral stood and extended her hand to Mystery.

Mystery stood and took the admiral's hand "Thank you again admiral,"